It’s August — but summer heat is showing no signs of slowing down, and with it comes a hated pest: Mosquitoes. These persistent pests can ruin all the fun — but there are expert-approved products to ward off all the swatting and itching. And with 2024’s first handful of West Nile cases reported in Canada, it’s more important than ever to keep these bugs at bay.
According to Dr. Soma Mandal, a board certified internist, there are ways to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes. Read on for her advice, as well as her expert-approved products to prevent and alleviate mosquito bites.
How to protect yourself from mosquitoes in summer 2024: Expert
There are many ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes during warm weather. Mandal says it’s imperative to use an effective insect repellent regularly — and also has some other tricks if you’re prone to bites.
“To protect yourself from mosquitoes and other bugs, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus,” she says. “Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active to provide a physical barrier against bites.”
Additionally, you’ll want to safeguard your home, too.
“Make sure to use screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your home and consider using mosquito nets if you’re sleeping in an area where mosquito-borne diseases are common,” she advises.
Mandal recommends trying to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around homes and communities if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
“Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Regularly empty, turn over or cover items that collect water, such as buckets, flower pots, bird baths and gutters,” she says. “Ensure that pools and hot tubs are properly maintained and chlorinated. Community efforts like cleaning up trash and debris, and promoting awareness about mosquito control can also be very effective.”
Why do I attract so many mosquitoes?
Mandal also explains that mosquitoes locate their hosts by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat and certain body odours.
“To make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes, avoid wearing strong fragrances and use unscented lotions and soaps. Wearing light-coloured clothing can also help, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours,” she explains. “Additionally, staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk) can reduce your chances of being bitten.”
Best mosquito hacks and tips | Expert picks
Need help getting rid of the mosquitoes this summer? Check out Mandal’s product picks — and reasoning — below.
OFF!
The OFF! Backyard Mosquito Repellent Coils are perfect for those who don’t want to put any repellent on their skin.
This pack comes with two metal stands and 8 coils. Each coil provides protection that will kill mosquitoes for up to four hours.Â
$7 at Amazon
Thermacell
The Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent E-Series E55 is a rechargeable, compact and easy solution to help create a 20ft zone of protection from mosquitoes for the whole family.
“Products like Thermacell devices, which create a mosquito-free zone, can be very effective for outdoor activities,” Mandal says.
$68 at Amazon
Bug Bite Thing
If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, Mandal suggests washing the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Then she recommends using the Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool — a Yahoo shopping writer favourite.
“A tool like Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool can help remove the saliva and venom while reducing irritation substantially,” Mandal says. “Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and itching. Avoid scratching the bite, as this can lead to infection.”
$22 at Amazon
Mark’s
The WindRiver Tick and Mosquito Repellent Ball Cap features fabric that has been treated with tick and mosquito-repellent technology to keep the bugs away.
The treatment used on this hat remains effective for 70 washes. It provides odourless and invisible protection from ticks and mosquitoes.
$29 at Mark’s
Mark’s
This packable hat uses the same technology as the above cap to help repel ticks and mosquitoes, while a wider brim design shields your eyes from the sun.Â
$43 at Mark’s
BUZZPATCH
If you are looking for something to help ease any itch or swelling from a bug bite, NATPAT’s BuzzPatch Magic Patch Itch Relief Stickers are a great option.
Just place the Magic Patch on a bite and the itch will disappear. within 30 to 60 seconds. This sticker is waterproof and can be left on for up to 7 days.
$19 at Amazon
OFF!
OFF! Botanicals Deet Free Plant-based Mosquito Repellent contains the repellent ingredient found in eucalyptus.Â
This spray effectively repels mosquitoes, biting midges and ticks for up to two hours so you’ll want to make sure you reapply. It also features a new twist and lock cap for easy on-the-go protection.
$16 at Amazon
Canadian Tire
Huntshield Women’s No Fly Zone Pants provide mosquito and tick protection during outdoor activities.Â
The treated fabric is meant to repel insects and create a barrier against any bites or diseases. “For clothing, permethrin-treated garments offer long-lasting protection,” Mandal says.
$70 at Canadian Tire
PALONE
This Outdoor Solar Powered Bug Zapper with Illumination Light keeps all those unwanted bugs away while attracting them to the light.
Instead of using electricity, batteries or fuel, this light is charged by the sun so you can effortlessly enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about bugs ruining all the fun.
$70 at Amazon
YEGE
These bracelets from Yege are made of natural ingredients including citronella, eucalyptus oil and oleum mentha. Â
Each bracelet offers 72 hours of protection and is suitable for all activities while helping keep the bugs away.
$17 at Amazon
Canadian Tire
This shirt uses a permethrin formula to repel insects and remains potent for up to 70 washes.Â
$70 at Canadian Tire
JOBOSI
Magnetic screen doors are the perfect option during the warmer months when keeping doors open to help keep unwanted bugs out.
This screen door comes equipped with heavy-duty mesh and a secure magnetic closure. It offers a practical and efficient way to keep insects out while allowing fresh air in.
$36 at Amazon
Walmart
The OFF! Backyard Area Citronella Tabletop Candle is ideal for your backyard, camping or hosting. It’s suggested to use citronella candles if you live in areas that don’t have a lot of mosquitoes.
“Citronella candles and torches can also provide some degree of protection, though they are generally less effective than chemical repellents,” Mandal says.
$33 at Walmart
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